Alfrancis Chua named Gilas program director, team manager

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has appointed Alfrancis Chua as Program Director and Team Manager for the Gilas Pilipinas Youth and Men’s teams.

“I am very happy that Alfrancis is back with Gilas. I work well with him, and our only objective is to elevate Philippine basketball,” said SBP President Al Panlilio in a statement.

“The SBP also extends our appreciation to San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon Ang for supporting this decision to have Alfrancis help the program again.”

Chua takes on this new role in addition to his duties as SMC Sports Director, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Governor, and PBA Vice Chairman.

Since being appointed to lead SMC’s basketball operations in 2015, Chua has been pivotal in helping Ginebra, San Miguel Beer, and Magnolia secure a combined 15 PBA championships. He was named PBA Executive of the Year in 2018, 2021, and 2024.

Chua also played a key role in Gilas Pilipinas’ success at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, ending a six-decade wait for an Asiad basketball gold medal.
The SBP is hopeful that his official return to the program will bring continued success.

“It was great having him on the bench motivating the players. He is such a great motivator. That’s one of the things that we hope to enhance the program with his presence,” said Gilas Pilipinas Men head coach Tim Cone.

“He has always been there for me to consult with and talk with. And of course, we had that great run in the Asian Games, which was fantastic.”

Chua will immediately dive into action, joining the team for the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, where Gilas will face New Zealand on November 21 and Hong Kong on November 24.

“I’m happy I’ll be able to help Gilas in this capacity,” said Chua. “I thank boss RSA for giving me his blessing in taking this new role, and I look forward to working with coach Tim and LA (Tenorio).”

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Contending POC parties given until Saturday to resolve protests before polls

Election committee chair, Atty. Teodoro Alejandro Kalaw IV gave the contending parties in the upcoming Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) elections until Saturday to submit their summations after hearing both sides’ arguments during a clarificatory procedure on Tuesday morning at the Century Park Hotel.

Kalaw and committee member, Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, reviewed at least four petitions for disqualification from the camps of incumbent POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and challenger Joaquin “Chito” Loyzaga ahead of the elections scheduled for November 29 at the East Ocean Seafood Restaurant.

“With the summation, we could determine the merits of their protests,” said Kalaw, who, however, didn’t provide a timeline for the election committee to decide on the arguments.

With Tolentino during the proceedings were his “Working Team” candidates for POC board members Alvin Aguilar (wrestling), Alexander “Ali” Sulit (judo), and Leah Jalandoni Gonzales (fencing), as well as POC secretary general Atty. Wharton Chan and head of legal, Atty. Billy Sumagui.

Loyzaga was with Robert Bachmann (squash), Freddie Jalasco (wushu), and Rommel Miranda (kurash), as well as gymnastics deputy secretary general Rowena Bautista Eusuya.

Atty. Lean Carlo Macoto of the Aranas Cruz Araneta Parker and Faustino Law firm presented some of the Loyzaga ticket’s arguments, but he, along with Loyzaga and Bachmann, left the proceedings before it was adjourned by Kalaw, leaving Jalasco and Eusuya to represent the group.

Vovinam’s Jose Ponciano Malonzo also attended the hearing to withdraw his protest against Bachmann’s qualification for the post of second vice president.

Tolentino didn’t comment on the proceeding but stressed that the “POC election procedures must be followed.”

The third member of the election committee, San Juan de Letran Calamba Rector and President Rev. Fr. Napoleon Encarnacion, O.P., excused himself from the hearing.

The POC has 61 voting members who will elect by secret balloting the organization’s president, first and second vice presidents, treasurer, auditor, and five members of the executive board.

Also in Tolentino’s “Working Team” are basketball’s Alfredo “Al” Panlilio (first vice president), modern pentathlon’s Rep. Richard Gomez (second vice president), surfing’s Dr. Jose Raul Canlas (treasurer), volleyball’s Donaldo “Don” Caringal (auditor), and canoe-kayak’s Leonora “Len” Escolante (executive board).

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Susan Ramadan shines as FEU widens lead in UAAP women’s athletics

Susan Ramadan delivered an outstanding performance in the women’s 1,500 meters to lead Far Eastern University in Day 3 of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Athletics Championships on Tuesday at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium.

The standout from Dagupan City, Pangasinan, clinched the gold medal with a time of 4:41.39, helping FEU extend its lead with 280.5 points—far ahead of second-placed University of Santo Tomas with 194 points.

“Sobrang unexpected and nakaka-overwhelm po talaga kasi dati hindi ko naman ine-expect na mapabababa ko pa ‘yung time ko. Tapos muntik nang ma-break ‘yung record, mga isa na lang. Kaya parang gusto ko pang magbigger next season,” she said.

“Hindi na po namin pakakawalan ‘to. Parang lahat naka-eye na sa momentum na kayang-kaya lahat mag-champion. Bigay lang po namin ‘yung best namin at hindi po kami dapat makampante kasi hindi namin hawak ‘yung panahon,” Ramadan added.

Nicole Diloy, also from FEU, secured second place with a time of 4:42.66, while National University’s Jessa Mae Roda took third with 4:44.19.

FEU finished the day with another gold in the women’s 4×100-meter relay as Annie Mercurio, Shane Ponce, Angelyn Ortiz, and Diane Taranza clocked 46.84 seconds, breaking the previous record of 47.02 seconds set by De La Salle University.

Jessel Lumapas, Erica Mae Ruto, Hannah Jandra Delotavo, and Abcd Agamanos of DLSU finished second with a time of 47.45 seconds, while UST’s Lyka Miravelles, Mailene Pamarisan, Justine Mae Candoy, and Jessa Belinario completed the podium with 48.52 seconds.

Reigning MVP Bernalyn Bejoy gave another gold medal for De La Salle University as she ruled the 400 meters in 56.01 seconds. UST’s Belinario (56.73) and FEU’s Kaye Villanueva (57.21) took second and third, respectively.

Meanwhile, Aina Masangkay of the University of the Philippines bagged the gold in the javelin throw with a distance of 39.58 meters. UST’s Rashied Faith Burdeos and FEU’s Rhealyn De Costa took silver and bronze, with throws of 39.10 meters and 36.83 meters, respectively.

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Sixers C Joel Embiid (illness) doubtful Monday at Miami

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid was downgraded to doubtful for Monday night’s game at Miami due to illness.

The former league MVP has only played two games this season for the struggling Sixers (2-10).

He missed the first 10 games due to “knee management” and a three-game suspension for shoving a reporter.

Embiid, 30, averaged 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 29.5 minutes in losses to Cleveland and Orlando.

The seven-time All-Star has career averages of 27.8 points and 11.1 rebounds in 435 starts over nine seasons.
(Source: REUTERS)

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Clint Neri defends long jump title as UP leads men’s athletics

Clint Niño Neri retained his long jump title, lifting the University of the Philippines to the top of the standings after Day 2 of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Athletics Championships on Monday at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium.
The third-year athlete claimed gold with a leap of 7.33 meters, while teammate Leolan Oranza secured silver with 7.06 meters. Adamson’s Kent Francis Jardin took bronze with 7.04 meters.

“Of course, sobrang saya this day, and I hope na from Day 2, from now on, matuloy na ‘yung (overall) lead namin. Kasi, we’re aiming for the championship and bringing it back to (UP) this season,” said Neri.

“I am so grateful rin kasi last season, ako lang mag-isa (ang nagqualify sa long jump finals). But right now, nandyan ‘yung mga teammates ko, and pumasok rin sila ng finals,” he added.

Neri and Oranza’s 1-2 finish in the men’s long jump event pushed UP ahead in the overall tally with 120 points, overtaking the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Tracksters, which remained in striking distance with 111 points.

UST’s Johnpaul Araneta notched his second gold medal of the tournament after ruling the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.75 seconds, ahead of NU’s Orly Orongan (21.91) and Jardin (21.96).

Meanwhile, the University of the East secured two gold medals in the 10,000-meter races, with James Darrel Orduña dominating the 10,000-meter run and Vincent Vianmar Dela Cruz topping the 10,000-meter racewalk.

In the women’s division, Annie Mercurio of FEU secured her second gold after ruling the 200 meters with a time of 24.75 seconds, beating De La Salle University’s (DLSU) Bernalyn Bejoy (25.07) and teammate Shane Joy Ponce (25.14).

Rica Mae Balderama of FEU also topped the triple jump event with a leap of 12.52 meters. UST’s Jeanne Arnibal followed closely with 12.47 meters for silver, while DLSU’s Abcd Agamanos took bronze with 12.26 meters.

The Lady Tamaraws maintained their lead in the women’s division with a commanding 187.5 points, while UST Tiger Tracksters is at far second with 132 points.

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Reports: ‘Inside the NBA’ to move to ESPN, ABC next season

The limbo is over for “Inside the NBA.”

The studio show, winner of 21 Sports Emmy Awards, will appear on ABC and ESPN after an agreement was reached with Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent of TNT Sports, The Athletic reported.

“Inside the NBA” has been on TNT since the start of the 1989 season.

Per the report, the show’s talent will remain. Ernie Johnson is the host, with Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal longtime members of the panel. O’Neal intends to sign a contract extension to remain, The Athletic reported.

The show’s future was put into question after the NBA announced it has agreed to an 11-year, $76 billion agreement with ESPN/ABC parent Disney, NBC and Amazon Prime Video beginning next season — leaving TNT out of the NBA mix domestically after this season. TNT sued the NBA for breach of contract.

Under the agreement, TNT Sports will be able to air regular-season and playoff games outside the United States. TNT also will continue to produce “Inside the NBA,” per The Athletic.

USA Today reported that as part of the agreement, Warner Bros. Discovery will receive the rights to televise some Big 12 football and basketball games that belonged to ESPN. (Source: REUTERS)

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Arwind Santos attempts to sell career memorabilia for P10M on Pinoy Pawnstars

Former PBA star Arwind Santos recently visited Boss Toyo’s Pinoy Pawnstars shop to sell his personal sports memorabilia.

The former San Miguel standout offered eight of his championship rings, seven of which were earned during his glory years with Petron-San Miguel. He also included a couple of basketball CDs featuring his games with FEU, a basketball jersey from when he won his first PBA title, and the San Miguel jersey from their historic “Beeracle” championship run.

Santos offered the entire memorabilia package for P10 million.

“Lahat ng bibitawan namin dito sobrang valuable,” said Santos, a nine-time PBA champion and former MVP.
The “Spiderman” shared that the Petron Blaze jersey is particularly special, as it was worn during his game against visiting NBA stars, including the late Kobe Bryant, James Harden, Chris Paul, and several others.

“Petron muna bago kami naging San Miguel. Si Ato Agustin ang coach, si Danny Ildefonso naabutan ko pa,” he said.

Santos mentioned that the “Beeracle” jersey was worn during San Miguel’s legendary Philippine Cup title showdown against Alaska in 2016, where they came back from a 0-3 series deficit to win four straight games and capture the crown.

After consulting sports memorabilia expert Rico Mesina, Boss Toyo countered with an offer of P1.5 million for the seven PBA championship rings.

“Kung bibilhin ko to, kaya bumaba ‘yung value nito, commercial rings ang mga ito e,” explained Boss Toyo. “Lahat to para sa akin, hanggang P1.5 million ako, sa ngayon. Iyan ang maii-offer ko.”

Santos didn’t accept the counteroffer and instead offered his jerseys for P500,000.

“Ito pwede kong ibigay, both jerseys, P500k. Sagad na,” he said.
After some haggling with the former PBA star, now playing for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), Boss Toyo agreed to buy the jerseys for P350,000.

Boss Toyo explained why he refused to meet Santos’ P10 million offer.

“Kung bibilhin ko ng P10 million ‘yan, maganda talaga siya. Pero as a business medyo dehado sa amin ‘yun,” he said.

“Kaunti lang kami nagco-collect ng mga sikat e… kasi wala itong base price, so depende lang talaga sa bibili (sa amin).”

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